Speed limits have long been a topic of debate among drivers, lawmakers, and transportation experts. Some states, like Texas, have speed limits as high as 85 MPH on select highways, but should New Jersey follow suit? Given New Jersey’s high population density, frequent traffic congestion, and safety concerns, the idea of increasing speed limits to 85 MPH may not be as practical as it sounds.

While faster speed limits can improve travel times, they also come with increased risks, including higher accident rates and greater severity of crashes. This article will explore the feasibility of raising speed limits to 85 MPH in New Jersey, examining both the potential benefits and the dangers associated with such a change.

Current Speed Limits in New Jersey

New Jersey’s speed limits vary depending on the type of road:

• Interstates and Toll Roads – Typically 65 MPH, with some sections allowing 55 MPH due to high traffic volumes.
• State Highways – Usually between 55-65 MPH depending on location and congestion.
• Local and Residential Roads – Generally 25-45 MPH to account for pedestrian activity.

Compared to states with large rural areas, New Jersey’s roads are more congested and compact, making high-speed driving more dangerous.

Would Any Roads in New Jersey Be Suitable for 85 MPH?

For an 85 MPH speed limit to be considered, roads would need to meet certain criteria, such as:

• Low traffic congestion
• Few interchanges and exits
• Straight, well-maintained roadways
• Minimal pedestrian or cyclist activity

Some possible candidates might include:

• Sections of Interstate 287 – This road runs through less densely populated areas in parts of Morris and Somerset counties, where traffic is lighter.
• Portions of Route 55 in South Jersey – With its rural setting, some stretches of this road have lower traffic density.

However, even on these roads, safety concerns remain, especially considering that New Jersey’s infrastructure is not designed for such high speeds.

The Risks of an 85 MPH Speed Limit in New Jersey

1. Increased Accident Severity

Studies show that higher speed limits lead to more severe crashes. When vehicles travel at 85 MPH, braking distances increase significantly, and the force of impact in a collision is much greater than at lower speeds.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), states that have raised speed limits have seen an increase in fatal crashes. New Jersey already has high accident rates, and increasing speed limits could make roadways even more dangerous.

2. Traffic Congestion and Lane Merging Issues

New Jersey’s highways frequently experience heavy traffic, construction zones, and sudden lane shifts. An 85 MPH speed limit could lead to:

• More aggressive driving behaviors
• Difficulties merging onto highways
• Higher risk of rear-end collisions

With short entrance and exit ramps on roads like the New Jersey Turnpike, faster speeds could increase merging dangers, especially during rush hours.

3. Poor Road Conditions and Weather Factors

Unlike states with large rural expanses, New Jersey’s highways are subject to heavy wear and tear, resulting in:

• Potholes and uneven pavement
• Frequent road construction
• Weather hazards like snow, rain, and fog

An 85 MPH speed limit would make it harder for drivers to react to sudden obstacles, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

4. Increased Fuel Consumption and Environmental Impact

Driving at higher speeds significantly reduces fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel economy decreases rapidly above 50 MPH, leading to:

• Higher fuel costs for drivers
• Increased carbon emissions
• More environmental strain in urban areas

With New Jersey’s strong environmental policies, raising speed limits may contradict sustainability efforts.

Would There Be Any Benefits to an 85 MPH Speed Limit?

Despite the risks, some arguments in favor of higher speed limits exist, including:

1. Reduced Travel Time

An 85 MPH speed limit could decrease commute times, especially for long-distance travelers. However, in congested areas, traffic volume would likely negate this benefit.

2. Economic Advantages

Faster travel could benefit commercial transportation and trucking industries by reducing delivery times. However, higher speeds also lead to greater wear on vehicles and higher fuel costs, which could offset any financial gains.

3. Alignment with Other States

Some argue that matching speed limits with other states (like Texas) could create a more uniform driving experience for interstate travelers. However, New Jersey’s unique traffic patterns make this less relevant.

Alternative Solutions for Safer, Faster Travel

Instead of increasing speed limits, New Jersey could explore other solutions to improve travel efficiency while maintaining safety:

1. Smart Traffic Management Systems

• Adaptive speed limits that adjust based on real-time traffic conditions.
• More dynamic lane usage during peak hours to ease congestion.

2. Highway Expansion Projects

• Widening key highways to reduce bottlenecks.
• Improving interchanges for better traffic flow.

3. Enhanced Public Transportation

• Investing in better rail and bus systems to reduce highway traffic.
• Encouraging carpooling and rideshare options.

4. Raising the Limit to 75 MPH Instead of 85 MPH

A more moderate increase—such as raising speed limits from 65 to 75 MPH on select highways—could provide some benefits without excessive risks.

Conclusion: Is an 85 MPH Speed Limit Right for New Jersey?

While an 85 MPH speed limit may seem appealing for reducing travel times, the risks far outweigh the benefits in New Jersey. Given the high population density, frequent congestion, and road conditions, raising speed limits to this level would likely increase accidents, fuel consumption, and enforcement challenges.

Instead, New Jersey should focus on improving highway infrastructure, enhancing public transit, and implementing smarter traffic solutions to balance safety and efficiency. A more realistic approach could be raising speed limits to 75 MPH on select roadways, rather than jumping straight to 85 MPH.

For more insights on how speed limits impact road safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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